a magazine/newspaper 'subscription' = a 'subscription' to a magazine/newspaper
You won't find this magazine at newsstands. It's sold only by 'subscription'.
She bought a 'subscription'. = She took out a 'subscription'.
(..) I-I'm in love with you. I don't care what you do. I'd like to be part of it somehow. It's deflating to find out... the only way I can be part of it is to take out a subscription to your magazine. I guess I'm not the girl I thought I was. There's nothing wrong with you. You've got this town (..)1954 Rear Window